The terms opiate, opioid, and narcotics frequently are used in the same group of terminology when in fact they are vastly different. In recent years, prescription medication has increased in use and abuse, so it is important to know and understand the difference in terminology. What the drugs have in common is in their use, which is to reduce pain from injury, surgery, or chronic pain.
The terms opiate, opioid, and narcotics are frequently used in direct relation to each other, which begs the question, are opioids and narcotics the same thing? While these three terms are used seemingly interchangeably, they define subtle differences, and knowing what these differences are is important for a thorough understanding of the properties of these powerful drugs.
Explaining the difference between terminology
The terms “opiates” and “opioids” are often used interchangeably, but there’s a distinction between them based on their origins and chemical structures:
- Opiates: This term refers specifically to natural substances derived directly from the opium poppy plant. Examples include morphine and codeine. These compounds are directly extracted from poppy plant resin and have been used for centuries for their analgesic (pain-relieving) properties.
- Opioids: This is a broader category that includes opiates (natural opioids) as well as synthetic and semi-synthetic drugs that are chemically engineered in laboratories to mimic the effects of natural opiates. Opioids bind to the same receptors in the brain and body as opiates but can vary in strength and effect. Examples of synthetic opioids include fentanyl and methadone, while semi-synthetic opioids include oxycodone and hydrocodone.
- Narcotics is more of a blanket statement that can contain both opioids and opiates. As far as prescription medication goes, unless the drugs are being obtained illegally, they aren’t narcotics. In a clinical definition, any substance or agent that induces narcosis is classified as a narcotic.
The main difference lies in their origin: opiates are naturally occurring, while opioids can be either natural, synthetic, or semi-synthetic. Despite these differences, both opiates and opioids interact with opioid receptors in the brain and can lead to addiction, dependence, and overdose if not used carefully under medical supervision.
Opiates fall under the general umbrella of opioid drugs. Aside from that, there is no difference in the effect or the side effects of these types of drugs. Both are extremely addictive, physically, and psychologically, and are strictly controlled by the federal government, requiring prescriptions to be legally obtained.
Important points to consider when dealing with prescription drugs
As discussed above, narcotics often have a negative connotation when it comes to the perception it brings in a medical or clinical setting. It should also be noted that many people who find themselves dependent on narcotics outside of a pain management system are considered to have a drug abuse problem.
No matter what the medication is classified as, or how it is used, created, or prescribed, it is important to speak with your physician or healthcare provider to discuss the potential negative side effects that come with taking a drug that is notoriously addictive.
Our society is in the middle of an opioid epidemic that has led to approximately 116 deaths every day and an estimated misuse of 11 million people alone in the year 2016. Opioid overdoses have cost Americans over $500 billion within our economy and have been associated with 42,000 deaths yearly.
Those numbers are only increasing, and of the 116 daily deaths, opioid addictions ruin families, destroy friendships, and cause pain and suffering within communities.
If you or a loved one is suffering from opioid or opiate addictions, please reach out to United Recovery Center or a local rehabilitation facility to seek help for you or your loved one before the addiction reaches monumental issues.
